The Democratic Republic of Congo will launch an electronic visa (e-Visa) service “in early 2025”.
Announced last year, the introduction of an electronic visa system (e-Visa) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) appears to be well underway, and should see the light of day early next year.
At a press briefing held in Kinshasa on November 25, the Congolese Minister of Tourism, Didier M’piamba, recalled the process of informing tourists as they prepare for their trip, and in particular confirmed the imminent launch of the e-Visa.
“One of the first things a tourist does is go to the country’s embassy. And the brakes that can be the first are: the cost of the visa but also how to get that visa. We’ve been talking to my colleague from Foreign Affairs about this, and we’re currently working on it, and by early 2025 we’ll already have some results: we’ll be able to issue visas electronically. This will make it easier for people to come to the country,” explains Didier M’piamba.
The e-Visa for the DRC should be accessible from the evisa.gouv.cd portal, which already offers online flying visas.
The e-Visa initiative is part of an ambitious vision to transform the Democratic Republic of Congo into a prime tourist destination on the African continent.
A strategic reform to modernize tourism
The introduction of the e-Visa marks a move to modernize the Congolese entry process, facilitating the arrival of international travelers. This electronic system will enable tourists to apply for their visa online, reducing delays and simplifying administrative formalities. This measure has been eagerly awaited by foreign travelers and investors, who are often hampered by complex and sometimes unpredictable procedures.
According to Didier M’piamba, this reform is part of the vast plan entitled “Explorez la RDC, cœur de l’Afrique” (“Explore the DRC, the heart of Africa”), which aims to reposition the country as a flagship destination in Central Africa. The plan also calls for the creation of modern infrastructures, training for players in the tourism sector and enhanced international promotion of Congolese heritage.
Among other things, the government plans to create tourist villages to offer visitors an immersive and authentic experience, highlighting the local heritage. Discussions are also underway with the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) and the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA) to improve the reception of tourists at airports and other points of entry, notably by setting up dedicated facilitation corridors.
Huge but under-exploited tourism potential
The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts exceptional natural and cultural riches. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed national parks, such as Virunga and Salonga, and its diverse landscapes, the country has everything it takes to seduce adventure and discovery seekers. However, tourism currently contributes only around 1% of the country’s GDP, a figure that belies its immense potential.
The obstacles are many: insufficient infrastructure, lack of international promotion, and a perception still marked by political and security instabilities. With the introduction of the e-Visa, the government hopes not only to increase the number of foreign visitors, but also to attract investors to boost this key sector.
A vision aligned with the new national tourism policy
The launch of the e-Visa is part of the recently adopted national tourism policy, which aims to lay the foundations for the sustainable development of the sector. This policy places particular emphasis on protecting the environment, enhancing local communities and creating jobs for the population.
Didier M’piamba emphasized the importance of these reforms in improving the DRC’s image on the international stage. He declared: “The Democratic Republic of Congo must no longer be perceived solely in terms of its challenges. Our country is full of wonders to discover, and it’s time to show them off through ambitious and inclusive policies.”
These initiatives testify to the Congolese government’s determination to transform tourism into a major economic lever, capable of diversifying the national economy and creating jobs. The Congolese Tourism Week, to be held in Kinshasa from November 26 to 30, 2024, illustrates this ongoing dynamic.
Expected benefits of e-Visa in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The e-visa is expected to bring several significant benefits, including:
- Increased international tourist numbers: By facilitating the process, the government hopes to reach millions of annual visitors by 2030.
- Attractiveness to foreign investors: Improving entry requirements can stimulate international partnerships and investment in tourism infrastructure.
- Strengthening government revenues: As a cross-cutting economic sector, tourism could generate substantial revenues for the country, while diversifying its economy.
A promising future for tourism in the DR Congo
By launching the electronic visa system, the DRC is taking an important step towards modernizing and opening up its tourism sector. However, the success of this initiative will depend on its concrete implementation, the strengthening of security in certain regions and massive investment in infrastructure.
If these efforts are maintained, the DRC could finally reveal to the world the extent of its unique heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world and making tourism an essential lever for its economic and social development.
